Toe clips

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J

jack991919

New Member
I am a long time bike rider, but I recently had brain surgery that changed everything. The surgery didn’t go as expected (yes, they found my brain, but screwed up in the process). The result is that I have balance problems now And very little strength in my legs. I thought that riding might help with both. So I bought an electric bike and it has helped. The problem I’m having is that my right foot has a tendency to ”toe-out” now which causes my heel to hit the frame or chain. So, I bought some simple toe clips to keep my foot straight on the pedals. Unfortunately, I can’t get my foot to slid far enough forward to “engage” the clip. And because of my balance problem I can’t bend down to hold the clip while I slide my foot in. Maybe someone knows of a different type of clip that’s easier to use, or of some workaround that could help. Oh, I’ve tried ankle braces as well without success. Any help is appreciated.
 
cyberknight

cyberknight

As long as I breathe, I attack.
Location
Land of confusion
you can get extenders that increase the distance the pedal is away from the frame.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Extenders-...af7bf35bfbf530bfb7454113d03f954c&gad_source=1
 
classic33

classic33

Leg End Member
Two I know off, but not certain if they are still available or viable for you.
The easiest is adjustable length toe clips, adjusted so they're that bit longer may enable your foot to engage.
The second, used with the first was a little retaining clip that sat on the rear of the pedal. Helped stop your foot sliding out as well as helping line your feet up on the pedals. Downside is they were fastened(usually screwed) in place on the shoe.
 
si_c

si_c

Guru
Location
Wirral
I dislike toe clips and amongst the reasons is the need to lean down and flip the clasp shut, I'd also be cautious about using them if you have balance issues - if you come to a stop will you be able to manage getting your foot out and down quickly enough?

What might be worth trying is some mountain bike pedals and shoes - not the clipless type but rather the type with pins and a large surface area. Something like the below (Crank Brothers Stamp 1 for reference). With MTB shoes (five tens for example) the pins engage into the base of the shoe and give you loads of grip to the pedals.

140021_crank_brothers_stamp_1_v2_flat_pedals.jpg


I'm not sure that this will solve the problem you are having, but it may well mitigate it somewhat - the pins will hold the shoe until you lift them off and as long as you are able to maintain contact between the shoe and pedal then should mitigate any rotation.

Hope you find a solution and best of luck with the recovery!
 
lostinthought

lostinthought

Well-Known Member
There's always the halfway house solution of a diagonal pedal strap
Untitled+design+(11).jpg

https://www.powergrips.com/

I remember these being generally (briefly) popular decades ago. Configured this way around it should keep your heel from rotating inward, while remaining easy to release.

I've just realised this is an old thread, might be useful to someone though
 
froze

froze

Über Member
Location
Fort Wayne, Indiana
If you are having balance problems associated with a major brain surgery, shouldn't you be considering a trike instead? Wouldn't a fall off a 2 wheeler due to your balance problem and landing on your helmeted head have a potential for serious consequences?

I would go with the Power Grips mentioned above, their easy to get on and fast to get out, while not as efficient as other types, it's less problematic for someone with your condition.
 
HMS_Dave

HMS_Dave

Grand Old Lady
froze said:
If you are having balance problems associated with a major brain surgery, shouldn't you be considering a trike instead? Wouldn't a fall off a 2 wheeler due to your balance problem and landing on your helmeted head have a potential for serious consequences?

I would go with the Power Grips mentioned above, their easy to get on and fast to get out, while not as efficient as other types, it's less problematic for someone with your condition.
Click to expand...

The gist i got was that the bicycle was helping with the balance issues and building strength. If balance was that much an issue, you could easily fall off of a Trike and do the same. I would trust the OP has this much conviction to make that call.

Either way, the OP made this thread, then didn't reappear so i fear we are just farting in an empty cathedral...
 
froze

froze

Über Member
Location
Fort Wayne, Indiana
HMS_Dave said:
The gist i got was that the bicycle was helping with the balance issues and building strength. If balance was that much an issue, you could easily fall off of a Trike and do the same. I would trust the OP has this much conviction to make that call.

Either way, the OP made this thread, then didn't reappear so i fear we are just farting in an empty cathedral...
Click to expand...

ahh, the smell of a fart in an empty cathedral, brings back fond memories.
 
Smokin Joe

Smokin Joe

Squire
Location
Bare headed cyclist, Smoker
lostinthought said:
There's always the halfway house solution of a diagonal pedal strap
View attachment 757682
https://www.powergrips.com/

I remember these being generally (briefly) popular decades ago. Configured this way around it should keep your heel from rotating inward, while remaining easy to release.

I've just realised this is an old thread, might be useful to someone though
Click to expand...
Mrs SJ used those and having briefly tried them myself they are a brilliant solution for anyone not happy with conventional clips and straps or clipless.
 
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